Operation Ability Research Articles

Multimodal Sensors Enabled Autonomous Soft Robotic System with Self-Adaptive Manipulation.

Human hands are amazingly skilled at recognizing and handling objects of different sizes and shapes. To date, soft robots rarely demonstrate autonomy equivalent to that of humans for fine perception and dexterous operation. Here, an intelligent soft robotic system with autonomous operation and multimodal perception ability is developed by integrating capacitive sensors with triboelectric sensor. With distributed multiple sensors, our robot system can not only sense and memorize multimodal information but also enable an adaptive grasping method for robotic positioning and grasp control, during which the multimodal sensory information can be captured sensitively and fused at feature level for crossmodally recognizing objects, leading to a highly enhanced recognition capability. The proposed system, combining the performance and physical intelligence of biological systems (i.e., self-adaptive behavior and multimodal perception), will greatly advance the integration of soft actuators and robotics in many fields.

Advanced pneumatic microgripper for versatile biomedical micromanipulation

Microgrippers offer better operational flexibility in biological micromanipulation. However, they face challenges in size miniaturization and environmental adaptability (especially in biological liquid environments). To overcome these challenges, a novel pneumatic microgripper is proposed with a thin-walled multi-airbag structure that directly drives the clamping jaws in motion, with a simple and compact overall construction. The microgripper has a maximum clamping range of 925 μm and can provide a clamping force exceeding 25 mN, capable of lifting loads over 300 times its weight. The microgripper is integrative and can be mass-produced with biocompatible resins in a single-step high-precision 3D printing process. The pneumatic microgripper is utilized to achieve the sorting and assisted injection of mouse oocytes (60–80 μm), assisted cutting of porcine oocytes (100–120 μm), and microscopic threading (10–15 μm) operation with two-finger cooperation. These demonstrations confirm it can operate fine manipulation of microscopic biological structures in air and liquid, and has good biocompatibility and cooperative operational ability. The developed pneumatic microgripper shows broad application prospects in biomedical applications such as microsurgery, micro biopsy, and assisted reproduction.

Prediction and Analysis of Airport Surface Taxi Time: Classification, Features, and Methodology

Airport arrival and departure movements are characterized by high dynamism, stochasticity, and uncertainty. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to predict and analyze surface taxi time accurately and scientifically. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of existing studies on surface taxi time prediction and analysis. Firstly, the overall research framework of surface taxi time prediction and analysis is categorized from three perspectives: taxi time type, movement type, and modeling method. Then, focusing on the two means of taxi time analytical modeling and simulation modeling, the existing mainstream models and methods are categorized, and the main ideas and scope of application of the various methods are analyzed. Finally, the paper presents the future development direction of surface taxi time prediction prospects. The research results are aimed at providing basic support and methodological guidance for reducing the uncertainty in airport surface operation and enhancing the level of control and decision-making ability of airport surface operation.

The effect of environmental credit rating on audit fees: A quasi-natural experiment from China

Environmental credit rating (ECR) is a new policy that deeply integrates the construction of ecological civilisation and the social credit system in China; however, there is a paucity of research on the response of external auditors to the ECR. This study takes the environmental credit evaluation policy implementation as a quasi-natural experiment, using China's A-share listed companies in heavily polluting industries from 2008 to 2019 as samples. We construct a heterogeneous timing difference-in-differences model to empirically explore the impact of ECR on audit fees. The results show that the ECR significantly reduces companies' audit fees. Importantly, our analysis suggests that the ECR improves environmental information transparency and enhances sustainable operation ability, thereby reducing audit fees. Further analysis shows that the negative correlation between the ECR and audit fees is more obvious in non-state enterprises, in poor legal environments and low levels of trust. Our study provides scientific evidence for the economic consequences of the environmental credit evaluation policy and enriches the literature on the factors affecting audit fees. It has revelatory significance for China and other developing countries to implement and improve the environmental credit evaluation policies and better guide enterprises to fulfil their environmental responsibilities.

External airbag-type deepwater electrodynamic transducer.

An external airbag-type electrodynamic transducer structure was proposed to solve the problems of traditional electrodynamic transducers, such as limited operating depth, failure to work for a long time, and excessive buoyancy change. The driving vibrator of the transducer was placed in the oil-filled cavity to balance the hydrostatic pressure and increase the heat dissipation channel of the coil. The external sound insulation airbag was used to eliminate the dipole's acoustic radiation mode to improve the transducer's acoustic radiation ability. This study analyzed the acoustic radiation performance of the transducer and the influencing law of operating depth on the acoustic radiation performance based on an equivalent circuit containing the acoustic parameters of the airbag. Moreover, the heat dissipation capabilities of the new and old electrodynamic transducer structures were compared through thermal simulation analysis. Then, two experimental prototypes of new and old electrodynamic transducers were fabricated. The source-level test results show that, within the core operating frequency band, the two electrodynamic transducers exhibit equivalent acoustic radiation performance. The external airbag-type electrodynamic transducer has long-time deepwater operation ability, and the buoyancy change can be controlled within an acceptable range of autonomous underwater vehicle thanks to the small airbag.

MODERN PRINCIPLES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENOGASTRONOMIC TOURISM IN THE ODESSA REGION

Of particular importance for the territories is the development of industries that form a multiplier effect, positively influence adjacent branches of the national economy, contribute to the creation of new jobs, increase the mobility of the population, contribute to the budgets of all levels, ensuring the economic growth of the territory. Gastronomy is a significant resource and source in the formation of the uniqueness of different territories: tourists who visit destinations get to know local attractions, show interest in national cuisine, local traditions, cultural and ethnic features of food and drink preparation. The Odesa region has significant potential for the development of food and wine tourism and is one of the most promising innovative areas in the Odesa tourist market. The purpose of the publication is to study the peculiarities of the functioning of eno-gastronomic tourism in the Odesa region and its impact on the economic and social development of the region and rural areas. The article examines the essence and nature of the popularity of domestic tourism. It is noted that the development of domestic tourism in the region can be considered as a factor in the growth of the local economy, the production of a tourist product on the basis of available tourist and recreational resources, the consumption of which will contribute to the development of the regional economy. It is noted that gastronomic and wine tourism is a tool that will allow promoting little-known destinations, help revive the local economy and preserve traditions. The essence and significance of gastronomic tourism is determined and it is substantiated that eno-gastronomic tourism is gaining significant popularity, especially in regions with available resources for its development. Odesa region is one of the most favorable for the development of food and wine tourism. Specific features that will lead to the development of food and wine tourism in the region have been determined. The actual principles of the "Wine and Taste Road of Ukrainian Bessarabia", which involves the display and popularization of enogastronomic tourist routes and their importance for the development of the region and rural areas, have been defined. The development of food and wine tourism does not require significant investments, special or unique infrastructural developments. The effectiveness of the development of eno-gastronomic tourism is directly related to the ability of tourist operators to competently organize gastronomic tours, use the opportunities of integration at the regional level, adapt successful foreign experience and implement it in the domestic sphere of the tourism industry

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Alzheimer's disease: effects on neural and synaptic rehabilitation.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from deficits in synaptic transmission and homeostasis. The Alzheimer's disease brain tends to be hyperexcitable and hypersynchronized, thereby causing neurodegeneration and ultimately disrupting the operational abilities in daily life, leaving patients incapacitated. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a cost-effective, neuro-modulatory technique used for multiple neurological conditions. Over the past two decades, it has been widely used to predict cognitive decline; identify pathophysiological markers; promote neuroplasticity; and assess brain excitability, plasticity, and connectivity. It has also been applied to patients with dementia, because it can yield facilitatory effects on cognition and promote brain recovery after a neurological insult. However, its therapeutic effectiveness at the molecular and synaptic levels has not been elucidated because of a limited number of studies. This study aimed to characterize the neurobiological changes following repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment, evaluate its effects on synaptic plasticity, and identify the associated mechanisms. This review essentially focuses on changes in the pathology, amyloidogenesis, and clearance pathways, given that amyloid deposition is a major hypothesis in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Apoptotic mechanisms associated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation procedures and different pathways mediating gene transcription, which are closely related to the neural regeneration process, are also highlighted. Finally, we discuss the outcomes of animal studies in which neuroplasticity is modulated and assessed at the structural and functional levels by using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, with the aim to highlight future directions for better clinical translations.

The Intersection between Environmentally Friendly Consumption Behavior and Students' Ability to Utilize Information and Technology in Accelerating the National Green Economy

Realizing a green economy in Indonesia can be achieved through environmentally friendly consumption starting with the younger generation. Students as part of consumers need to apply environmentally friendly consumption patterns as a contribution to the national green economy. This study seeks to analyze how the variables of insight into food and beverages, attitudes towards environmentally friendly consumption behavior, the tendency of environmentally friendly consumption behavior, IT technical and operational skills, IT navigation and processing skills, and IT communication skills influence each other. The further objective of this research is that students are expected to be able to realize green economic awareness with environmentally friendly consumption behavior. In this study, using descriptive quantitative methods with the SEM-PLS method analyzed using primary data of 300 active students at four state universities in Malang City by distributing online questionnaires through G-Form. The results showed that the food and beverage insight variable had an effect on IT ordering ability, the environmentally friendly consumption behavior tendency variable had an effect on IT navigation and process skills through the mediating variable of food and beverage insight, the navigation ability variable had a direct effect on the attitude of environmentally friendly consumption behavior, and the IT technical and operational ability variable had a direct effect on the environmentally friendly consumption behavior tendency and IT communication skills. Implicatively, the research results link the two major variables of IT capability and green consumption behavior. However, if spread out, both IT capabilities and student behavior in implementing environmentally friendly consumption are mutually sustainable to achieve a green economy.

Development Path of Hotel Tourism Specialization in Vocational Schools based on the Integration of Industry-University-Research Integration

Accompanied by the booming development of the global tourism industry and the growing hospitality industry, the training demand for hotel tourism majors has become more and more significant. However, how to cultivate high-quality professionals who are adapted to the needs of the industry and have practical skills and innovative thinking has become an important challenge for hotel tourism majors in vocational schools. Based on this, the article launched a study on the development path of hotel tourism profession in vocational schools based on the integration of production, learning and research, analyzed the significance of the development of hotel tourism profession in vocational schools based on the integration of production, learning and research, elaborated the problems of the development of hotel tourism profession in vocational schools based on the integration of production, learning and research and gave effective measures to solve the problems, aiming to cultivate more professionals with practical operation ability and innovative spirit through the study.

The Impact of Teaching Skills Competition of Selected Teachers in Guangdong Province of China: Basis for Enhance Teaching Skills

Teaching competitions are activities placed around the spreading of knowledge and concepts, then cultural capital is a major influencing factor in this field. Each participant is a carrier of teacher cultural capital, but there are differences in quality and relevance. The study utilizes a range of evaluation tools to evaluate the impact of the teacher competition on the basic teaching skills in terms of cognitive ability, teaching monitoring ability and teaching operation ability. Moreover, the study examined the participants' subjective evaluations of the level of competitiveness in teaching skills, using established scoring criteria. The results of the study provide some significant observations. The findings of the study showed that more females participated in the study and in terms of the course, more participants are from Physical Education compared to other courses. Based from the overall mean assessment teacher competition improved the basic teaching skills of teachers. The overall mean assessment for cognitive ability, teaching operation ability, and teaching monitoring ability is Improved. Teaching monitoring ability shows the highest overall mean, suggesting a relatively greater impact. This research highlights the impact of teaching skills and the importance of enhancing pedagogical approaches and guaranteeing sufficient resources. in order to achieve a more quality of education.

Analysis of the Connection Between Executive Remuneration and Corporate Fiscal Achievement

The interplay between top executive pays and fiscal achievements remains at the forefront of discourse in organizational leadership and governance frameworks. Understanding the connection between executive incentives and performance outcomes is crucial for effective corporate governance. This study dives deep into the tapestry of research that dissects these nuanced interactions. Executive compensation, a critical component of corporate governance, directly influences the behaviors and decision-making of top executives. Simultaneously, financial performance serves as a key indicator of a company's operational health and ability to generate value. According to the analysis, the relationship between both is complete and multifaceted. In some cases, higher levels of executive remuneration are positively correlated with improved financial performance, while negative correlations also exist. The relationship between the two is influenced by characteristics, e.g., corporate governance, industry characteristics, company performance, and individual executive characteristics. Numerous studies are currently available on the relationship between the two. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations and shortcomings of the existing studies, which may impact the generalizability and applicability of the findings. In conclusion, the nexus between executive compensation and financial output is a complex and multidimensional issue that requires further in-depth research and study.

Research on Partner Selection of PPP Project in Wastewater Treatment Based on Grey Nearness Incidence

The PPP financing model of wastewater treatment project can help local governments to solve the problem of capital shortage and bring advanced management experience. It is the key factor of the PPP project for appropriate social partners selection. The evaluation index system of partner selection was established. It covered four fields: corporate reputation, financial ability, operational ability and management ability. Some experts apply the Delphi method to score the qualitative indicators. The most appropriate partner was decided according to the comprehensive evaluate results of Grey nearness incidence. The results of the example application show that the decision model and the index system can easily and effectively determine the ordering of partners, and help government departments to make better decisions.

Design and Implementation of a High-gain Switched-capacitor Step-up Multi-level Inverter with Reduced Components Count

Emergence of compact design power converters for applications such as photovoltaic system, active power filter, and high-frequency AC system has introduced multi-level inverters (MLIs). In the last decade, rigorous research has been carried out to transform multi-input MLIs to single-input step-up type that will be extremely beneficial in different applications. The proposed MLI in this work is a reduced components based switched-capacitor MLI. It consists of one input source and using the capacitor voltage, it can produce a four-time step-up output. One of the capacitors is charged to magnitude the input voltage and the other two capacitors are charged to two-time the input voltage magnitude. The charging of all the capacitors is executed by utilizing them in series-parallel combination with the switching operation. By maintaining charging–discharging effectively within each cycle, the voltages are naturally balanced. A thorough comparison is carried to justify the new development in terms of reduction in number of components and voltage stress. The power loss is estimated in the proposed circuit in detail. Extensive analysis is carried out to verify the operational ability and results are provided under different scenarios such as change in modulation index, load, and supply side variations.

Cognitive performance of air personnel following sleep deprivation.

Air forces have developed several methods for reducing fatigue-related accidents. In the Israeli Air Force, the "Dead Tired" workshop was developed with the purpose of presenting aircrew with their objective performance under sleep deprivation conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the cognitive abilities of both aircrew and unmanned aerial vehicle operators, both objectively and subjectively. All Israeli aircrew and unmanned aerial vehicle operators participated in a "Dead Tired" workshop. During the workshop, the participants performed the Psychomotor Vigilance Task, a task that tests their attention abilities, while gathering information on their subjective sleepiness in the form of a Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Data of 366 participants (25 females), of whom 187 were unmanned aerial vehicle operators and 179 were aircrew, were obtained; and the mean age was 21.8 ± 1.2 years (range 19-26 years). A significant decline in task performance was seen following 20 hr of wakefulness in both unmanned aerial vehicle operators and aircrew (p < 0.001). Unmanned aerial vehicle operators' performance was significantly better throughout the majority of the workshop (p < 0.001). Recovery after the full-night's sleep was seen for unmanned aerial vehicle operators, but not for aircrew (p = 0.008). A high correlation was seen between Psychomotor Vigilance Task performance and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale responses (correlation coefficient = 0.93). Sleep deprivation negatively impacted the performance of both groups of participants. Unmanned aerial vehicle operators were found to be more resilient to the effects of sleep deprivation and were quicker to recover in comparison to aircrew.

Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal herniorrhaphy performed using an articulating laparoscopic instrument is feasible and more efficient.

Ipsilateral left-sided-approach laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal herniorrhaphy (LA-TAPP) is a procedure used for inguinal hernia. However, conventional laparoscopic instruments may limit the operator's ability to approach certain areas during the procedure. This study aims to assess the feasibility of using an articulating bipolar grasper (ArtiSential®). Between January 2017 and May 2022, 184 patients with inguinal hernia underwent LA-TAPP and were divided into an articulating group (AG) and a conventional group (CG). The two groups were compared for clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and recurrence rates. Learning curve analysis was also performed using the CUSUM score. The AG and CG included 72 and 112 patients, respectively. Both groups had similar age, sex, BMI, hernia location, and hernia type. The AG had a significantly shorter operation time (59.2 ± 29.4 vs. 77.8 ± 22.4 min, p < 0.001) than the CG. The duration of hospitalization was slightly shorter in the AG (2.2 ± 0.5 vs. 2.5 ± 1.4 days, p = 0.056). Postoperative complications were lower in the AG (5.6%) than in the CG (9.8%). Scrotal neuralgic pain was observed in 1.4% of patients in the AG and 3.6% of patients in the CG. Learning curve analysis revealed that 24 cases were needed to overcome the learning curve for using an articulating device. IP-TAPP with an articulating instrument is a safe and efficient procedure. The operation time can be reduced by improving the surgeon's procedural autonomy and reducing collisions between the instruments and the patient's ribs.

An Actuated Variable-View Rigid Scope System to Assist Visualization in Diagnostic Procedures.

Variable-view rigid scopes offer advantages compared to traditional angled laparoscopes for examining a diagnostic site. However, altering the scope's view requires a high level of dexterity and understanding of spatial orientation. This requires an intuitive mechanism to allow an operator to easily understand the anatomical surroundings and smoothly adjust the scope's focus during diagnosis. To address this challenge, the objective of this work is to develop a mechanized arm that assists in visualization using variable-view rigid scopes during diagnostic procedures. A system with a mechanized arm to maneuver a variable-view rigid scope (EndoCAMeleon - Karl Storz) was developed. A user study was conducted to assess the ability of the proposed mechanized arm for diagnosis in a preclinical navigation task and a simulated cystoscopy procedure. The mechanized arm performed significantly better than direct maneuvering of the rigid scope. In the preclinical navigation task, it reduced the percentage of time the scope's focus shifted outside a predefined track. Similarly, for simulated cystoscopy procedure, it reduced the duration and the perceived workload. The proposed mechanized arm enhances the operator's ability to accurately maneuver a variable-view rigid scope and reduces the effort in performing diagnostic procedures.Clinical and Translational Impact Statement: The preclinical research introduces a mechanized arm to intuitively maneuver a variable-view rigid scope during diagnostic procedures, while minimizing the mental and physical workload to the operator.

Intelligent robot assistants for the integration of neurodiverse operators in manufacturing industry

The integration of neurodiverse operators in industry poses interesting challenges highlighting the potential for human-robot collaboration(HRC) to provide the necessary support and assistance to complete manufacturing tasks. This study proposes a reciprocal learning-based framework to support the operator to carry out assembly tasks via collaborative robot (Cobot) assistance. Such framework includes image acquisition and processing, machine learning (ML)-based classification of workpieces and Cobot operational tasks.An experimental case study is proposed to verify the framework applicability to a number of likely scenarios. Preliminary results show the suitability of HRC systems to effectively aid neurodiverse operator's with memory issues in performing assembly tasks correctly, while at the same time improving the operator's ability to learn the assembly sequence and iteratively improving ML classification accuracy. The potential for intelligent robotics-based increased inclusiveness in manufacturing industry is discussed in terms of benefits to support individuals with cognitive disabilities.

Trends in vacuum and forceps delivery in teaching hospitals and academic health systems in West Java, Indonesia: A retrospective study.

Recently, there has been a decline in the use of vacuums and forceps. This is due to complications that occur in the mother and baby as well as the operator's ability to operate the instruments. Concerning Professional Education Standards for Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists, the minimum skill that must be achieved by vacuum extraction and forceps is a minimum of five cases. This is difficult to achieve with the number of obstetrics and gynecology residents in West Java. A retrospective study was conducted using medical records based on the International Classification of Disease 10th Revision from 1 to 28 February 2023 at teaching hospitals and Academic Health System in West Java, namely Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Al-Ihsan Hospital Bandung, and Cikalong Wetan Hospital West Bandung, in the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022. The main outcome was vacuum and forceps extraction with consecutive sampling. The relationship between maternal characteristics such as maternal age, parity, gestational age, and indication for delivery with vaginal operative delivery was descriptive statistics analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. Trends indicate that the percentage of vaginal operative deliveries tends to be low, below 5%. Vacuum deliveries decreased from 0.75% in 2018 to 0.68% in 2022, while forceps deliveries decreased from 2.77% to 0.98% over the same period. This study concludes that there was an insufficiency of vacuum extraction and forceps delivery cases at the teaching hospital and Academic Health System in West Java to achieve a minimum case of vacuum and forceps. Further research studying how educational interventions improve operative delivery skills might be considered.

A novel approach to decision making in rice quality management using interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy Schweizer and Sklar power aggregation operators.

The Pythagorean fuzzy set and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set are the basis of the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set (IVPFS) which offers an effective approach to addressing the complex uncertainty in decision-analysis processes, making it applicable across a broad spectrum of applications. This paper introduces several aggregation operators within the IVPF framework, such as the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy SS power weighted average operator, and the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy SS power geometric operator using the notion of power aggregation operators through Schweizer and Sklar (SS) operations. The existence of SS t-norms and t-conorms in the IVPF framework for addressing multi-attribute decision-making problems gives the generated operator's ability to make the information aggregation approach more adaptable compared to other current ones. The application of the proposed approach holds the potential to enhance crop yield, optimize resource utilization, and contribute to the overall sustainability of agriculture. Additionally, sensitivity and comparative analyses are provided to clarify the stability and dependability of the results acquired through this approach.

Exploring the influencing factors of adverse drug reaction reporting among medical personnel: a COM-B model-based study.

This study aims to identify the factors that influence medical workers' enthusiasm for reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Understanding these factors is essential to implement targeted interventions that can improve and refine pharmacovigilance systems. We adopted the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior model (COM-B) model as the theoretical framework and conducted qualitative research using in-depth interviews with clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, and administrators. 24 one-on-one interviews were conducted and audio-recorded. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis to uncover the key factors affecting ADR reporting among medical staff. The participation included 24 healthcare workers from six different healthcare organisations. Analysis revealed that decreased motivation to report ADRs was due to inadequate judgment or inconsistent judgment criteria within the capability domain, poor awareness of ADRs and deficient communication skills within the psychological domain, unclear responsibilities within the motivation domain, and limited or no access to necessary resources within the opportunity domain. Facilitators of ADR reporting included sufficient cognitive and operational abilities, spontaneous and incentivized motivation, clear responsibilities and role expectations, and robust social support. There is a critical need to develop comprehensive interventions that address the identified factors influencing ADR reporting. By improving the motivation of medical staff to report ADRs, the pharmacovigilance system can be significantly improved.